Government of Ghana plans to restrategise in order to meet vehicle luxury tax revenue target

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, made the announcement at a press briefing in Accra.

According to him, even though the law was a necessary one, some appropriate changes would be made to enhance its effectiveness.

The luxury vehicle tax was introduced in July last year to levy vehicles with big engine capacities in line with the sustainable development goals to control emissions and reduce the impact on climate change.

Vehicles with engine capacities of 3.0 – 3.5 litres were to pay an annual tax of GH¢1,000.00; those with engine capacities of 3.6 – 4.0 litres will pay GH¢1,500.00 annually and 4.1 litres and above are to pay an annual tax of GH¢2000.00.

However, almost a year to its implementation, the levy had been met with opposition from many stakeholders.

The government collected some $4.1 million (GH¢21.3 million) from the policy. The collected amount was below the $20 million (GH¢104 million) that was projected to be collected within the period.

But the Finance Minister said the overall objective of the law should be understood by all.

He further noted that the decision to review the tax was influenced by feedback received on the implementation of the law from some stakeholders.

He said that “I believe the law is good, and we cannot throw it away for the sake of the future and an environment that is conducive to all,” adding that, the review would take on board the various concerns to make it better.